SSL gets connected

Published: 02 Jun 2014

An enhanced version of the C100 HD and C10 HD digital broadcast consoles has been unveiled by Solid State Logic, promising to deliver the same ‘sonic excellence’ alongside refined controls, new software functionality, and streamlined Dante integration.

The large format C100 HD Plus is described by the manufacturer as offering ‘a complete production solution’, and delivers more processing power than the previous generation with the inclusion of 2U redundant Blackrock Processor cards – capable of handling 588 audio mix paths (with 256 channels of 6-band EQ) and 284 channels of dynamics processors with 512 channels of integrated Madi I/O.

The centre section contains a new 10-inch screen that can be used to display an HDMI video source and a range of metering options. The desk can be specified with SSL’s LMS-16 loudness monitoring system to provide 16 sets of 5.1-channel loudness and peak monitoring. The control surface interface has also been redesigned to aid with channel identification in substandard lighting environments.

SSL claims that the C100’s smaller sibling, the C10 HD Plus, is the world’s most powerful compact mixer. It is available in several configurations -16 faders up to 48 faders – and because everything sits ‘inside-the-box’, the desk can be built into vans for ENG operations, specified for network scale sports productions or for all-round production demands in mid-scale facilities.

Integrated into the C10 HD Plus is the same Blackrock Processor card in the C100 HD Plus. The standard configuration of both consoles includes all of SSL’s Production Assistant applications – Dialogue Automix, 5.1 Upmix, Production Automation Interfacing, DAW Control, and C-Play – to help with automating production tasks. System options include a scalable 48 port Madi router for multiple console installations and large-scale I/O support with external control from VSM and other third party controllers, and TCP/IP-based networked audio via SSL’s Madi Bridge.

Also new out from the British manufacturer is its Network I/O broadcast audio interface range, which adds Dante IP Audio Networking. The series currently consists of Madi-Bridge, SDI, and Stagebox.

Madi-Bridge provides an interface between Dante and Madi devices and delivers 64-channels per bridge (at 48kHz), redundant Madi, IP Network ports and PSU. Built for interrupted fully redundant operation, it includes a pair of sync inputs for use as a self-redundant Dante Grand Master clock. The front panel features a headphone socket for monitor routing, and GPIO connections allowing for the transfer of tally info and switching functions across the network.

Next in the range is Stagebox, a mic/line I/O device bringing the manufacturer’s SuperAnalouge mic pres into the networked audio market. The unit comprises eight mic/line inputs, eight line outputs, and a pair of redundant network connections, and due to the plug-and-play nature of the series, allows devices to be moved while retaining routing and settings if required. The front panel displays signal present, phantom power and local attenuation via a selection of LEDs.

The third of final component of the Network I/O series is SDI, which provides bidirectional bridging between embedded SDI audio and a Dante network. Eight 3G-SDI embedders and eight SDI de-embedders provide up to 256 channels of SDI connectivity and dual Dante and triple Madi connectivity – two optical and one coaxial I/O. The unit is also capable of direct bridging between SDI and Madi. Redundant PSUs ensure a reliable 24-hour broadcast environment.

When high-definition TVs (HD or 1080p) first entered the market, only three HDTV channels were available. Fast forward five years, the number of channels grew to 40. Today, over 20 years since the HD breakthrough, most streamed content is available …